Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded to the military.

 By , PIO, WESMINCOM

 Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 15, 2022- A field commander and 13 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded to the military in North Cotabato on February 14, 2022. According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the 14 BIFF personalities submitted themselves to Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato Monday morning. 

 One of the 14 surrendered personalities surrendered to Col. Gonzales at 8:30 in the morning, February 14. He handed over one rocket-propelled grenade and one M1 Garand rifle. He was subsequently presented to Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Ramil Umbra Dilangalen.

 Col. Gonzales said the surrender was facilitated by the 34IB, Northern Kabuntalan PNP, and the intelligence units. 

 Meanwhile, at about 10:30 a.m., same day, 13 more BIFF including a field commander surrendered to Col. Gonzales. The former violent extremists were accompanied by Norodin Akis and Dong Bantas, members of the Council of Elders of Midsayap. The 13 handed over seven M1 Garand rifles, one Springfield cal. 30 Sniper rifle, one M14 rifle with magazine, one M16 rifle with magazine, three cal. 45 pistols with magazines, 50 rounds of cal. 30 ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 6.56mm ammunition, seven rounds of cal. 45 ammunition, and seven clip Garand magazines. 

 The 13 former violent extremists were formally presented to Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña. They also underwent custodial debriefing conducted by the 34IB. 

 Col. Gonzales attributed the successful surrender of the 13 BIFF personalities to the troops of the 34IB, Midsayap PNP, and the intelligence operatives. 

    For security reasons, the identities of the surrendered personalities are withheld. Surrendered firearms were deposited at the 34IB supply room for safekeeping.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the peacemaking initiatives of the 34IB. He also vowed to assist the former violent extremists in their reintegration into mainstream society. 

 For the first two months of 2022, a total of 64 BIFF personalities have surrendered to the government forces in Central Mindanao.

 “Our efforts compel more militants to just give up their fight and start anew. Rest assured that our campaign to end terrorism will never falter,” said Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. 

 

DSWD Strengthens Partnership with WestMinCom

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

 Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Atty. Sittie Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-IX (DSWD-IX) visited the Western Mindanao Command on Friday afternoon, February 11, purposely to pay a courtesy call on the Unified Command Chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. The distinguished visitor was received by the WestMinCom Commander at the Laong Laan Hall at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city. 

 Atty Hassan expressed her gratitude to the command for the continued support to all the undertakings of the Department including the transport of relief goods to the affected areas of Typhoon Odette. “We also want to thank you for your participation in bringing home Filipinos from Sabah. Through your untiring efforts and that of other concerned agencies, we have safely ferried 3,289 Filipinos back to their respective homes,” the Regional Director expressed. She further stated that she decided to visit the Command and personally engage the commander to strengthen the partnership with WestMinCom in delivering programs and services to the people.

 Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said that the multi-sectoral collaboration must be sustained in the name of Public Service. “The Armed Forces is always ready to assist you whenever you need it. While we are working on our mission to end terrorism here in Mindanao, we also endeavor to provide support to our partners and stakeholders in the best way we could,” the WestMinCom Commander added. 

 In welcoming Atty. Hassan, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. was joined by Col. Elmer Suderio, Chief of Unified Command Staff, and Col. Wendell Basat, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations. 

 

Drug Den Dismantled, 102K Worth of Shabu Seized in Marawi City

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

 Combined elements of the 55th Engineer Brigade, PDEA Lanao del Sur, and 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted a buy-bust operation at Purok Papandayan, Barangay Caniogan, Marawi City on February 9, 2022. Lt. Gen. Alfredo, Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said that the operation resulted in the dismantling of a drug den, seizure of more or less 15 grams of Shabu with an estimated value of PhP102,000.00, and apprehension of five illegal drug personalities. 

Apprehended personalities were identified as Asmirah Abubakar, Richard Solis, Arjun Auditor, Sainor Montawa, and Jalil Aloyodan. Aside from the 15 grams of Shabu, operating troops also confiscated one genuine 1000-peso bill placed on top of 9 pieces of photocopied 1000-peso bill used as buy-bust money, one Samsung analog phone, one Oppo Android phone, various identification card under the name of Asmirah Abubakar, and drug paraphernalia from the suspects. 

 According to Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, the apprehended personalities were brought to Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for filing of appropriate charges. “This is another accomplishment attributable to the combined efforts of our troops and the elements from PDEA and PNP,” Maj. Gen. Ponio further stated. 

 Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. assured that the military will continue to assist law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal drug operations in WestMinCom’s area of operation. 

 

Firearms, Ammunition Seized in Joint Law Enforcement Operation in Sulu

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

Combined elements from the Joint Task Force Sulu, different intelligence units, and Sulu PNP conducted a joint law enforcement operation on February 9, 2022, to execute a search warrant issued by Hon. Shene Canete, Acting Presiding Judge, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 4, Parang, Sulu against Abu Sayyaf Group member Muksidal Jumadil. 

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said that operating troops proceeded to Barangay Kan Mindus, Luuk, Sulu to implement the search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act against the abovementioned personality. Sensing the arrival of the government forces, Jumadil open-fired and fled in the direction of Barangay Tangkuan, Omar, Sulu. 

 According to Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista, Jr., Acting Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, operating troops are in pursuit of the fleeing terrorist. 

 Meanwhile, a search was done at the residence of Jumadil and this was witnessed by Barangay Chairman Patta Putuh Bangalan of Kan Mindus. The search was executed together with the personnel of CIDG9 as videographer pursuant to the rules on the use of Body-Worn Cameras in the execution of Warrants (A.M. No. 21-06-08 SC) issued by the Supreme Court which took effect on August 1, 2021. 

 Firearms and ammunition were recovered by the searching elements at the target’s house. These include one Winchester M14 rifle with three metal magazines, sixty 7.62mm live ammunition, one 9mm pistol with metal magazine and seven live ammunition, and one bandolier. Confiscated items are now under the custody of CIDG9 for proper disposition. 

 “Your armed forces and other line agencies are working doubly to sustain our gains in peace and development in this part of the country. With everybody’s cooperation we are confident that the law enforcement efforts we launched together with our partners will reap more successes in the coming days,” Lt. Rosario, Jr. stated. 

 

Sayyafs’ War Materiel Seized in Sulu

 By PIO, WESMINCOM

 Two high-powered firearms, other war materiel, and personal belongings of the Abu Sayyaf Group were seized by the military in Sulu on February 6, 2022. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said army soldiers from the 6th Special Forces Battalion acted on a report of the presence of ASG personalities in Barangay Tanum, Patikul, Sulu. While operating troops were approaching, the ASG members hurriedly fled. 

 “I directed all military units in the area to intensify further their monitoring on the direction of the fleeing enemies and establish blockade on their possible withdrawal routes,” Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu stated. 

 While scouring the area, troops recovered one M14 rifle with two steel magazines, one M16 rifle with two steel magazines, 27 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 29 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, one bandolier, one solar panel, seven assorted sim card cases, one jungle hammock, one civilian backpack, one combat shirt (Phil. Marines), one poncho, one Qur’an, denatured alcohol, two combs, two scissors, nail cutter, and one face mask.  

 Operating troops brought the recovered items to the headquarters of the 6th SF Battalion for proper disposition. 

 “I commend the troops of the 6th SF Battalion for thwarting the possible terror attack of the group in the peaceful communities. I congratulate you all for this laudable accomplishment,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said. 

 

Abu Sayyaf Group Member Yield to Government Forces in Basilan

 

By PIO, WESMINCOM

 A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan under Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway on February 1, 2022. 50-year-old Ismael Ladjatua alias Maing/Abu Macca from Barangay Townsite, Maluso, Basilan yielded at the Joint Task Force Basilan Headquarters in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, same province at about 1:30 in the afternoon Tuesday.

 According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the surrendered personality was a follower of the late Isnilon Hapilon. He handed over one Carbine rifle with magazine and five live ammunition to Brig. Gen. Gobway.

 Ladjatua surrendered after realizing that senseless violence is not the solution to poverty. Also, he got tired of hiding from the government forces. Subject personality relayed that he was forcibly recruited by the ASG at his former residence in Barangay Canibungan, Lantawan, same province when he was 25 years old. In 2017, he migrated to Malaysia to work as construction helper. He decided to return to Basilan last January 10 after five years of hiding in Malaysia. He then sought assistance for his surrender.

 Brig. Gen. Gobway expressed his gratitude to the surrendered personality for entrusting himself to the JTF Basilan. “We will assist him as he starts a new life with his family,” the Task Force Commander said.

 The surrender of Ladjatua is a result of the strong collaboration of JTF Basilan and 101st Infantry Brigade with the MILF-CCCH and the intelligence units. Surrendered personality is currently under the custody of the 101st Infantry Brigade for proper disposition.

 “It is evident that our troops are doubling their efforts to encourage surrender among the bandits,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said. “This recent accomplishment only proves that the landscape in the area has totally changed.”

 “ I am elated with this development, and I commend our soldiers and those who are helping and assisting them to achieve these successes,” the WestMinCom Commander added.

 Since January this year, six abus already surrendered to the government forces with most of them also turning over their firearms and ammunition. Ladjatua is the first Abu Sayyaf Group member who surrendered in Basilan while the five others yielded in Sulu.

 

By PIO, WESMINCOM

       January 28,2022

 Barangay Chiefs Hand Over Loose Firearms to Military in Cotabato

 Chairpersons of the different barangays in Carmen, Cotabato handed over seven loose firearms to the military on January 27, 2022. According to Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the firearms were received by Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of 602nd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, Commanding Officer of 90th Infantry Battalion at the Convention Hall of the abovementioned municipality.

 Col. Gonzales said that Barangay Chairpersons Jimmy Cabrillo of Kibudtungan, Percival Bacudo of Aroman, Reynaldo Camique of Tonganon, Acob Guiamilil of Palanggalan, Ronald Akmad of Kibenes, Robert Baguat of Ranzo, and Pepito Calibara of Tacupan handed over a total of five M1 Garand rifles and two US Carbine Cal. 30 rifles. 

 “The activity is part of the Balik Baril Program of our unit in partnership with the municipality of Carmen. This is to eradicate illegal firearms in our area of operation,” Lt. Col. Mundala said.

 Chairman Cabrillo said that this is their way of expressing their support for the government’s campaign against illegal firearms and to be a good example to their constituents.

 Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, commended the 602nd Infantry Brigade and 90th Infantry Battalion for establishing good relationships with the local officials. 

 All surrendered firearms are currently deposited at H90IB for custody and proper disposition.

 “Their gestures are very much appreciated. May they inspire their constituents who are owners of illegal firearms to also yield their weapons to the military. It would be of great help especially during this election period when we double our efforts to clear the communities from undocumented firearms and sustain the peace in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.